The Advanced Guide To Bedside Crib And Travel Cot

Bedside Crib and Travel Cot

Bedside cribs are a type of cot that is attached to the bed's side. They typically come with a side that can be dropped down for easy access and some come with an incline that's ideal for reflux babies.

MFM tester Georgina said that the crib was simple to put together and the instructions were very clear. It was a simple build. It folds down to the smallest size, and comes with a handy travel bag.

Easy to put together

They are compact and easy to set up, so they can be set next to your bed. They are also lighter, which makes them more transportable. Georgina, one of our MFM home testers, praised the Maxi-Cosi for being "super easy to construct, with clear instructions and easy zips." The crib can also be used as a travel cot, and comes with a convenient bag to carry it around on the move. It has multiple mesh windows to allow for airflow and the adjustable height ensures it will fit any mattress.

Some cribs with a bedside have a side panel that can be raised, allowing an easy access to your baby without having to step out of your own bed. This is a great option for breastfeeding mothers, or those who want to be with their baby all night long but don't want to be at risk of co-sleeping (which is linked to an increased risk of SIDS).

Many models come with an integrated function that lets you to rock your baby. This can be a comforting experience for your baby, and can help them to sleep. Some cribs can recline in a position, which is beneficial if your baby suffers from reflux or colic. This position is best used under supervision. You should consult your doctor or health professional before you attempt it.

Many cribs for bed come with a canopy that protects your baby from noise and light. This can help in calming them down. Some cribs have an under-bed storage space that is perfect for storing extra blankets, diapers and clothing for your child.

Some bedside cribs can be transformed into standalone cots, or toddler beds, and this is often an attractive selling point for families. The Joie Roomie which was the winner of the 2021 Mother and Baby Awards is a great example. It comes with removable side panels and a conversion kit and a tummy tilt that makes it travel-friendly. It has five height adjustments that can be set to your bed. The MFM home testers praised it for its comfort and easy to put together. It is also compact. The Graco Play Yard (also known as the pack and play) is another popular choice, and was shortlisted in the 2022 Mother&Baby Awards.

Cosy and cozy

A bedside crib enables you to keep an eye on your child from the comfortable bed. It's the ideal solution for a new mum recovering from a csection, as you can easily lift baby to your side for nappy or night feeds changes without having to get out of bed. The most comfortable cribs have mesh sides that are breathable so you can view your baby through.

Some cribs let you lower the barrier completely. This lets you sleep with your baby without any risk. (Make sure that the crib you choose meets the current safety standards). Certain cribs let you lower the barrier, but pop it up again after you have lifted the baby out. This is ideal for parents concerned about their child rolling off their mattress.

The Luah - which won the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards Best Cot, Crib or Moses Basket - is designed to be attached to bedsteads and divan beds, but it does require some longer straps than some other models (check the specifications to make certain your bed is able to accommodate). It's a roomy design with an opening side panel as well as a unique perforated base which creates an air cushion to increase the flow of air. There's also an integrated set-up for reflux, and the ability to swivel 360 degrees, allowing you to move the crib according to your baby's preferred position.

If you are looking for something smaller, Tutti Bambini CoZee offers oak legs with a variety of fabrics that complement your decor. It's also super-easy to assemble and Georgina who participated in our MFM tests was able to put it together quickly and didn't have to look up the instructions. It's also a great travel cot, which folds flat before slipping into a convenient bag.

The Next2me Magic, shortlisted for Best Cot, Crib, or Moses Basket in the 2021 Mother&Baby Awards, has a larger capacity, but it is small and simple to attach to your bed. Georgina also found it easy to assemble although she thought the instructions could have been more clear regarding the zips.

Easy to clean

If you're considering bedside cribs and travel cots make sure they have a removable mattress cover that can be machine-washed. This will allow you to keep it free of leaky nappies, sick babies and drips. It's also a good idea to choose a product that can be removed and partially dismantled so that you can access every nook and cranny for an efficient cleaning and sanitising session.

This is crucial, since it's the best way to be sure that all germs and dirt have been cleared away. It is also important to ensure that the sides of the crib are securely secured, ensuring that there are no gaps or areas that your child could slip down or become trapped.

Aside from being easy to clean, you'll want an infant crib that is comfortable for your baby and will fit comfortably into your own bed. This is especially important in the case of a co-sleeping bedside crib. These are designed to attach securely to the side of the parent's bed, allowing parents to easily access their baby throughout the night to feed and comfort their baby while maintaining the safety of separate sleeping surfaces.

Another aspect to consider when choosing a crib to sleep on is whether it has any additional features that you may consider useful. Some cribs tilt or rock, which is ideal for babies who tend to be fussy.

It is important to make sure that your crib or travel bed is made of a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly into the frame. This will lower the risk of SIDS by ensuring that your baby's feet and head don't slide down into any gaps or folds in the bedding.

It's also a good idea to buy a new mattress for your cot, crib or travel bed, rather than using one handed down from someone else or bought second-hand. Used mattresses are more likely to lose their shape with time, increasing the risk of SIDS. All cribs that are new must meet BS EN1130:2019. This is the latest standard, which introduces stricter requirements to ensure secure and efficient sleep solutions.

Multi-faceted

A bedside crib (or co-sleeping crib as they're sometimes known) attaches to your bed, allowing you to easily reach your baby at night, without needing to get out of your sleeping space. They can be used as standalone cribs in the daytime. Most come with a side panel that can be adjusted to let you feel your baby's hand and see him. Some cribs allow you to keep the side panel down at night. This allows you to be close and convenient with your baby while taking care to minimize the risks of sharing the bed. Some cribs can also be converted into a travel cot or come with additional features such as tilting, rocking (use with caution, make sure to talk to your GP about this) or changing into a baby cot for older children or playpen.

The SnuzPod 4 crib is popular for many reasons, and not just due to its sleek design in Scandi. This crib comes with six height settings and a handy shelf to store things on. It's also a bit heavier and bulkier than many of our more travel-friendly cribs and comes in an attractive bag that keeps it free of dust and clean when stored.

The instructions are clear and there is a handy toolkit to aid you. It's also easy to clean with an easy-to-clean mattress cover and breathable fabrics. It also comes with a few extras in comparison to other cribs, such as an anti-reflux angle, a rocking feature, and an storage compartment.

bedside travel cot  says that this is a fantastic crib since it's "easy to reach baby in the middle of the night to feed without fuss and it's larger than many Moses baskets so it will last longer until my son outgrows it". She also likes that it's easy to clean and feels solid and well-made. It can be placed on a divan, making it a great option for those who have small space. It also comes with an easy-to-carry bag that you can take with you when you're travelling. A perfect all-rounder.